Abbott, Davis set for new Dallas debate

Wendy Davis’ campaign for governor says it has agreed to the format of a new debate after opponent Greg Abbott withdrew from one the campaigns already had on the calendar.

AUSTIN — The gubernatorial candidates are set again to face off later this month in Dallas, ending days of wrangling over the debate schedule following Republican Greg Abbott’s withdrawal from his original meeting with Democrat Wendy Davis.

Abbott, the attorney general, pulled out of the Sept. 30 debate Friday morning, later accepting an invitation to a new event on the same date in the same city, but with different sponsors. The Davis campaign initially held firm on the original Dallas debate but said Tuesday evening it would consider participating in the new event, which would be hosted by four outlets including KERA.

“After a conversation with KERA this morning, we have agreed to a debate format that should give Greg Abbott the confidence he needs after his multiple losses in the courtroom over the past week,” Davis spokesman Zac Petkanas said in a statement Wednesday morning, referring to two recent cases in which the state’s position as argued by the attorney general did not prevail.

KERA managing editor Shelley Kofler confirmed both campaigns are good to go for the new Dallas debate, which will have a format similar to what the station has used in the past. That includes timed responses and follow-up questions, with flexibility provided on both fronts depending on the topic.

“We’re working with our media partners and the campaigns to fine tune some of the specifics,” Kofler said.

The campaigns previously have beefed over whether to have a roundtable discussion or a more structured exchange. Abbott’s people have stood by the latter, while the Davis campaign has expressed willingness to go with either option.

The candidates still are scheduled to debate Sept. 19 in the Rio Grande Valley.